Apparatuses to physically couple transponder to objects, such as surgical objects, and methods of using same

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods to physically couple a transponder to a surgical object are provided. One example apparatus includes a first clamp comprising a first fastener and a first channel member that has a first base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the first base to form a first channel therebetween. The first fastener adjustably engages with the first channel member to securingly clamp a surgical object in the first channel of the first channel member. The apparatus further includes a housing that has at least a first cavity that receives at least a portion of the first pair of side portions of the first channel member, a first passageway that receives the first fastener and permits the first fastener to extend at least in part into the first cavity, and a second passageway to receive at least one transponder that wirelessly receives and returns signals.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to surgical objects. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methodsto physically couple a transponder to a surgical object.

Description of the Related Art

It is often useful or important to be able to determine the presence orabsence of a foreign object.

For example, it is important to determine whether objects associatedwith surgery are present in a patient's body before completion of thesurgery. Such objects may take a variety of forms. For example, theobjects may take the form of instruments, for instance scalpels,scissors, forceps, hemostats, and/or clamps. Also for example, theobjects may take the form of related accessories and/or disposableobjects, for instance surgical sponges, gauzes, and/or pads. Failure tolocate an object before closing the patient may require additionalsurgery, and in some instances may have serious adverse medicalconsequences.

Some hospitals have instituted procedures, which include checklists orrequiring multiple counts to be performed to track the use and return ofobjects during surgery. Such a manual approach is inefficient, requiringthe time of highly trained personnel, and is prone to error.

Another approach employs transponders and a wireless interrogation anddetection system. Such an approach employs wireless transponders whichare attached to various objects used during surgery. The interrogationand detection system may include a transmitter that emits pulsedwideband wireless signals (e.g., radio or microwave frequency) and adetector for detecting wireless signals returned by the transponders inresponse to the emitted pulsed wideband signals. Such an automatedsystem may advantageously increase accuracy while reducing the amount oftime required of highly trained and highly compensated personnel.Examples of such an approach are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,818,issued Feb. 22, 2000, and U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2004/0250819,published Dec. 16, 2004.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Commercial implementation of such a wireless interrogation and detectionsystem requires that the overall system be cost effective and highlyaccurate. In particular, false negatives must be avoided to ensure thatobjects are not mistakenly left in the patient. The overall automatedsystem requires a large number of transponders, since at least onetransponder is carried, attached or otherwise coupled to each objectwhich may or will be used in surgery. Consequently, the transponders andapparatuses for carrying, attaching or coupling the transponder to theobject should be inexpensive.

It may be possible for the apparatuses that carry, attach, or couple thetransponder to the object to hinder accurate detection of thetransponder. For instance, if the object and/or the apparatus carryingthe transponder is metallic or other metallic objects are present in thebody, a transponder that is in fact present may not be able to bedetected as a result of the metallic object acting as a Faraday shieldor otherwise interfering with transponder communications. As such, anapparatus to physically couple the transponder to the object should notimpede accurate detection of the transponder.

Furthermore, certain surgical objects may undergo one or more rounds ofsterilization before and/or after use within the surgical environment.If the transponder is employed to track use and sterilization of thesurgical object, for example, the apparatus that physically couples thetransponder to the object may remain attached to the surgical objectduring such sterilization procedures. If the apparatus is unable towithstand such sterilization processes, the apparatus may insufficientlyprotect the transponder from certain hazards of the sterilizationprocess. Therefore, an apparatus that is capable of withstandingdifferent sterilization processes is desirable.

In other instances, it may be desirable to remove the apparatuscontaining the transponder from a surgical object. For example, theapparatus can be removed, separately sterilized, and then reused with adifferent surgical object used in a subsequent surgical event. Such mayadvantageously allow use of a single set of apparatuses/transponders inmultiple different surgical environments that respectively requiredifferent sets of surgical objects. Therefore, an apparatus that iscapable of being removed from the surgical object is desirable.

Consequently, an inexpensive, durable, reusable, and/or non-interferingapparatus to physically couple a transponder to a surgical object ishighly desirable.

An apparatus to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject used in a surgical environment may be summarized as including: atleast a first clamp comprising a first fastener and a first channelmember, the first channel member having a first base and a first pair ofside portions that extend from the first base and which are opposed toone another across a width of the first channel member to form a firstchannel therebetween, the width of the first channel sized to receive atleast a first portion of a surgical object therein, wherein the firstfastener adjustably engages with the first channel member to securinglyclamp the first portion of the surgical object in the first channel ofthe first channel member; a housing that has at least a first cavitythat receives at least a portion of the first pair of side portions ofthe first channel member, a first passageway that receives the firstfastener and opens at least in part into the first cavity to permit thefirst fastener to extend at least in part into the first cavity andadjustably engage with the first channel member, and a second passagewayto receive at least one transponder that wirelessly receives and returnssignals.

The apparatus may further include: a second clamp comprising a secondfastener and a second channel member, the second channel member having asecond base and a second pair of side portions that extend from thesecond base and which are opposed to one another across a width of thesecond channel member to form a second channel therebetween, the widthof the second channel sized to receive at least a second portion of thesurgical object therein, wherein the second fastener adjustably engageswith the second channel member to securingly clamp the second portion ofthe surgical object in the second channel of the second channel member.The housing may include a second cavity that receives at least a portionof the second pair of side portions of the second channel member and athird passageway that receives the second fastener and opens at least inpart into the second cavity to permit the second fastener to extend atleast in part into the second cavity and adjustably engage with thesecond channel member. The apparatus may further include: the at leastone transponder received in the second passageway. The first passagewaymay extend in a first direction, the second passageway may extend in asecond direction, and the third passageway may extend in a thirddirection, the third direction parallel to the first direction, thesecond direction non-parallel with respect to the first and the thirddirections. The first fastener and the second fastener may respectivelyinclude an elongated shaft that has a first diameter and a head that hasa second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, and the firstpassageway and the third passageway may respectively include an outerportion that has a third diameter that is greater than the seconddiameter and an inner portion that has a fourth diameter that is greaterthan the first diameter and less than the second diameter. The secondpassageway may intersect the outer portion of the first passageway, thesecond passageway having a fifth diameter at least greater than thesecond diameter. The second passageway may intersect the inner portionof the first passageway, and the second passageway may include a fifthdiameter at least greater than the first diameter. The housing may forma first shelf at a first transition between the outer portion and theinner portion of the first passageway, the first shelf may physicallyengage the head of the first fastener, the housing may form a secondshelf at a second transition between the outer portion and the innerportion of the third passageway, and the second shelf may physicallyengage the head of the second fastener. The first fastener may include afirst externally threaded screw and a first internally threaded nut thatsecuringly receives the first externally threaded screw, the firstchannel member may further include a first pair of flanges thatrespectively extend from the first pair of side portions into the firstchannel, and the first internally threaded nut may be positioned betweenthe first pair of flanges and the first base and physically engages thefirst pair of flanges. The first fastener may include a first externallythreaded screw and a first internally threaded nut that securinglyreceives the first externally threaded screw, the first channel membermay further include a first pair of flanges that respectively extendfrom the first pair of side portions into the first channel, and thefirst internally threaded nut may be positioned opposite the first pairof flanges from the first base. The first fastener may include a firstscrew that has first external threading, and the first channel membermay further include a first pair of flanges that respectively extendfrom the first pair of side portions into the first channel and engagethe first external threading of the first screw. The first pair offlanges may respectively include respective end portions that arerespectively angled towards the first base of the first channel memberand engage the first external threading of the first screw. A length ofeach of the first pair of side portions taperedly may increase as therespective side portion extends away from the first base. The firstchannel member may further include a first pair of flanges thatrespectively extend from the first pair of side portions into the firstchannel and respectively have a through-hole extending therethrough, therespective through-holes of the first pair of flanges are aligned, andthe first fastener extends through the through-holes of the first pairof flanges. The apparatus may further include: an encapsulant that fillsat least one of the first passageway or the second passageway. Theencapsulant may be capable of withstanding sterilization of theapparatus by one or more of autoclaving, electron beam or isotoperadiation, ethylene oxide, plasma or corona discharge, and liquidsterilants. The encapsulant may include a biocompatible epoxy.

A method to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject usable in a surgical environment may be summarized as including:positioning a first portion of a surgical object into a first channelformed by a first channel member, the first channel member having afirst base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the firstbase and which are opposed to one another across a width of the firstchannel member to form the first channel therebetween; positioning ahousing that has a first cavity, a first passageway that opens at leastin part into the first cavity, and a second passageway therein toreceive at least a portion of the first pair of side portions in thefirst cavity, the second passageway sized to receive at least onetransponder; inserting a first fastener into the first passageway toengage the first channel member; and adjusting a first engagementbetween the first fastener and the first channel member to securinglyclamp the first portion of the surgical object in the first channel ofthe first channel member.

The method may further include: adjusting the first engagement torelease the first portion of the surgical object from the first channelof the first channel member; and removing the housing from the surgicalobject. The method may further include: positioning a second portion ofthe surgical object into a second channel formed by a second firstchannel member, the second channel member having a second base and asecond pair of side portions that extend from the second base and whichare opposed to one another across a width of the second channel memberto form the second channel therebetween; positioning the housing toreceive at least a portion of the second pair of side portions in asecond cavity of the housing; inserting a second fastener into a thirdpassageway of the housing to engage the second channel member; andadjusting a second engagement between the second fastener and the secondchannel member to securingly clamp the second portion of the surgicalobject in the second channel of the second channel member. The methodmay further include: inserting the at least one transponder into thesecond passageway. Inserting the at least one transponder into thesecond passageway may include inserting the at least one transponderinto the second passageway that intersects with the first passageway tomove the at least one transponder past the first passageway. The methodmay further include: filling each of the first and the secondpassageways with an encapsulant. Inserting a first fastener may includeinserting a first screw that has first external threading into the firstpassageway, and adjusting a first engagement may include rotating thefirst screw to engage the first external threading of the first screwwith one or more of i) a first and a second lip of the first channelmember that respectively extend from the first pair of side portionsinto the first channel and ii) a first nut located above or below thefirst and the second lip and engaged therewith.

An apparatus to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject used in a surgical environment may be summarized as including ahousing that has a first cavity that has a first body portion and afirst pair of leg portions that respectively extend from the first bodyportion in a first direction; a first channel member having a first baseand a first pair of side portions that extend from the first base andwhich are opposed to one another across a width of the first channelmember to form a first channel therebetween, the width of the firstchannel sized to receive at least a first portion of the surgical objecttherein, the first pair of side portions which respectively extendthrough the first pair of leg portions to reach the first body portion,the first pair of side portions of the first channel member physicallysecured to each other within the first body portion of the first cavityto physically secure the first channel member with respect to thehousing and clamp the first portion of the surgical object in the firstchannel. The first pair of side portions of the first channel member maybe twisted together in the first body portion of the first cavity tophysically secure the first channel member with respect to the housing.The first pair of side portions may respectively have a first pair ofend portions opposite the first base, the first pair of end portionswhich extend into the first channel and respectively have a first pairof complementary helical structures that physically engage each other.

The apparatus may further include at least one transponder received inthe housing and physically surrounded and engaged by one of the housingor an encapsulant, the at least one transponder to wirelessly receiveand return signals.

A method to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject usable in a surgical environment may be summarized as includingpositioning a first portion of a surgical object into a first channelformed by a first channel member, the first channel member having afirst base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the firstbase and which are opposed to one another across a width of the firstchannel member to form the first channel therebetween; positioning ahousing that has a first cavity that has a first body portion and afirst pair of leg portions that respectively extend from the first bodyportion in a first direction to respectively receive the first pair ofside portions in the first pair of leg portions of the first cavity andpermit the first pair of side portions to extend into the first bodyportion of the first cavity; and physically securing the first pair ofside portions to each other in the first body portion of the firstcavity to physically secure first channel member with respect to thehousing and securingly clamp the first portion of the surgical object inthe first channel of the first channel member. Physically securing thefirst pair of side portions to each other may include twisting the firstpair of side portions together in the first body portion of the firstcavity. Physically securing the first pair of side portions to eachother may include physically engaging a first pair of complementaryhelical structures with each other, the first pair of complementaryhelical structures at respective first end portions of the first pair ofside portions opposite the first base.

The method may further include physically unsecuring the first channelmember with respect to the housing to unclamp the first portion of thesurgical object from the first channel of the first channel member.

The method may further include molding or potting at least onetransponder into the housing.

An apparatus to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject used in a surgical environment may be summarized as including afirst channel member having a first base, a first pair of side portions,and a first pair of flanges, the first pair of side portions whichextend from the first base and which are opposed to one another across awidth of the first channel member to form a first channel therebetween,the width of the first channel sized to receive at least a first portionof the surgical object therein, the first pair of flanges whichrespectively extend from the first pair of side portions into the firstchannel; and a housing that has a first pair of cavities to respectivelyreceive at least the first pair of flanges and a plurality of pairs ofteeth respectively defined in the first pair of cavities to permit thefirst channel member to be physically secured with respect to thehousing at a plurality of different positions that respectivelycorrespond to a plurality of different channel heights for the firstchannel, the first pair of flanges respectively engaged with at least arespective one of the plurality of pairs of teeth.

The apparatus may further include at least one transponder received inthe housing and physically surrounded and engaged by one of the housingor an encapsulant, the at least one transponder to wirelessly receiveand return signals.

A method to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject usable in a surgical environment may be summarized as includingpositioning a first portion of a surgical object into a first channelformed by a first channel member, the first channel member having afirst base, a first pair of side portions, and a first pair of flanges,the first pair of side portions which extend from the first base andwhich are opposed to one another across a width of the first channelmember to form a first channel therebetween, the width of the firstchannel sized to receive at least a first portion of the surgical objecttherein, the first pair of flanges which respectively extend from thefirst pair of side portions into the first channel; positioning ahousing that has a first pair of cavities to respectively receive atleast the first pair of flanges in the first pair of cavities, aplurality of pairs of teeth respectively spaced at different positionsin the first pair of cavities, the plurality of pairs of teeth whichrespectively extend into the first pair of cavities; and causing thefirst pair of flanges of the first channel member to respectively engagewith a respective pair of the plurality of pairs of teeth to physicallysecure first channel member with respect to the housing and securinglyclamp the first portion of the surgical object in the first channel ofthe first channel member.

The method may further include physically unsecuring the first channelmember with respect to the housing to unclamp the first portion of thesurgical object from the first channel of the first channel member.

The method may further include molding or potting at least onetransponder into the housing.

An apparatus to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject used in a surgical environment may be summarized as including ahousing comprising a male body portion and a female body portion, themale body portion comprising at least one member that extends from themale body portion, the female body portion comprising at least one slotsized and shaped to fittingly receive the at least one member of themale body portion, the housing adjustable between a closed configurationin which the at least one member of the male body portion is physicallyengaged with the at least slot of the female body portion and an openconfiguration in which the at least one member of the male body portionis not physically engaged with the at least slot of the female bodyportion; and a first channel member that has a first base and a firstpair of side portions that extend from the first base and which areopposed to one another across a width of the first channel member toform a first channel therebetween, the width of the first channel sizedto receive at least a first portion of a surgical object therein, thefirst channel member respectively physically coupled to the male and thefemale body portions at a first pair of ends of the first pair of sideportions that are opposite the first base. The first channel member maybe resilient to permit repeated adjustment of the housing between theclosed configuration and the open configuration. The first channelmember may include a rigid but resilient metal band. The first channelmember may have a first edge and a second edge opposite a length of thefirst channel member from the first edge, and each of the first pair ofends may have a plurality of teeth along one or both of the first edgeand the second edge. The plurality of teeth for each of the first pairof ends may be angled towards the first base. The male body portion andthe female body portion may respectively have a first pair of cavitiesto respectively receive at least the first pair of ends of the firstpair of side portions of the first channel member, the first pair ofcavities which respectively define a first pair of interior surfaceswithin the male body portion and the female body portion, and theplurality of teeth for the first pair of ends are respectivelyphysically engaged with the first pair of interior surfaces of the malebody portion and the female body portion.

The apparatus may further include at least one transponder received in atransponder receiving cavity of the female body portion or the male bodyportion, the at least one transponder to wirelessly receive and returnsignals.

A method to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject usable in a surgical environment may be summarized as includingpositioning a first portion of a surgical object into a first channelformed by a first channel member of an apparatus comprising a housingand the first channel member, the housing comprising a male body portionand a female body portion, the male body portion comprising at least onemember that extends from the male body portion, the female body portioncomprising at least one slot sized and shaped to fittingly receive theat least one member of the male body portion, the housing adjustablebetween a closed configuration in which the at least one member of themale body portion is physically engaged with the at least slot of thefemale body portion and an open configuration in which the at least onemember of the male body portion is not physically engaged with the atleast slot of the female body portion, the first channel member having afirst base and a first pair of side portions that extend from the firstbase and which are opposed to one another across a width of the firstchannel member to form the first channel therebetween, the width of thefirst channel sized to receive at least the first portion of thesurgical object therein, the first channel member respectivelyphysically coupled to the male and the female body portions at a firstpair of ends of the first pair of side portions that are opposite thefirst base; and adjusting the housing of the apparatus from the openconfiguration to the closed configuration to securingly clamp the firstportion of the first surgical object in the first channel.

The method may further include adjusting the housing of the apparatusfrom the closed configuration to the open configuration to unclamp thefirst portion of the first surgical object from the first channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elementsor acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of variouselements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some ofthese elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improvedrawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements asdrawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regardingthe actual shape of the particular elements, and may have been solelyselected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a surgical environmentillustrating use of an interrogation and detection system to detect oneor more objects tagged with a transponder in a patient, according to atleast one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an apparatus to physically couple one ormore transponders to a surgical object, according to at least oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an apparatus to physically couple one ormore transponders to a surgical object, according to at least oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an apparatus physically coupled to asurgical object, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an apparatus physically coupled to asurgical object, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 11 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an apparatus physically coupled to asurgical object, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 13 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of an apparatus physically coupled toa surgical object, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an apparatus physically coupled toa surgical object, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 16physically coupled to a surgical object, according to at least oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of an apparatus physically coupled toa surgical object, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 18physically coupled to a surgical object, according to at least oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an apparatus to physically couple one ormore transponders to a surgical object, according to at least oneillustrated embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 20 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the apparatus of FIG. 20 physicallycoupled to a surgical object, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a channel member of the apparatus ofFIG. 20, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosedembodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In otherinstances, well-known structures have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.For example, well-known structures associated with transmitters,receivers, or transceivers, and types of surgical instruments have notbeen shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuringdescriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims that follow, the word “comprising” is synonymous with“including,” and is inclusive or open-ended (i.e., does not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method acts).

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is, as meaning“and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are forconvenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of theembodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a surgical environment 1 in which a medical provider (notshown) operates an interrogation and detection system 5 to ascertain thepresence or absence of objects in, or on, a patient 10.

The interrogation and detection system 5 includes a controller 5 a andan antenna 5 b. The antenna 5 b is coupled to the controller 5 a by oneor more communication paths, for example a coaxial cable 5 c. Theantenna 5 b may take the form of a hand-held wand. The controller 5 a isconfigured to cause the antenna to emit wireless interrogation signalsin one or more wide frequency bands, to receive responses fromtransponders to such interrogation signals, and to determine thepresence, absence, and/or identity of a transponder based on thereceived responses, if any.

The surgical environment 1 includes a number of surgical objects,collectively 14. Surgical objects 14 may take a variety of forms, forexample instruments, accessories and/or disposable objects useful inperforming surgical procedures. An apparatus that includes a transponderis attached, affixed, or otherwise coupled to each surgical object 14(the apparatuses collectively shown as 20). Thus, a respective apparatus20 a-20 d is coupled to each of surgical objects 14 a-14 d.

In some implementations, a transponder is received in a housing of eachapparatus 20. For example, the transponder may be molded or potted intothe housing and/or may be received in a passageway defined in thehousing. The transponder is typically small, as an example approximately5-10 millimeters long with a diameter of about 1-4 millimeters. Variousexample transponders will be discussed further herein.

In addition, in at least some implementations, each apparatus 20advantageously protects the transponder from the ambient environment,for instance from forces, pressure and/or fluids, such as body fluids.In particular, the apparatus 20 withstands and advantageously protectsthe transponder from various sterilization processes (e.g., autoclaving,electron beam or isotope radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma or coronadischarge, and/or liquid sterilants).

Furthermore, in some implementations, each apparatus 20 is substantiallynon-metallic and spaces the transponder from any metallic portion of thesurgical object 14 such that neither the apparatus 20 nor the surgicalobject 14 interfere with wireless communications between the transponderand the antenna 5 b of the interrogation and detection system 5.

In some implementations, each apparatus 20 is both physically coupleableand decoupleable (i.e., removable) with respect to the surgical object14. Thus, in some implementations, each apparatus 20 is reusable withregard to multiple different surgical objects 14.

Embodiments of the apparatuses 20 disclosed herein may be particularlysuited to operate with metallic objects. As used herein, a metallicobject, such as surgical objects, may be made partially or wholly ofmetal, so long as the object could act, alone or in association withother metallic objects, as a Faraday shield or otherwise interfere withcommunications between the transponders and the interrogation anddetection system 5. Examples of various types of metallic objectsinclude, but are not limited to, cutting means (e.g., a scalpel 14 c,lancet, knife, scissors), grasping means (e.g., tweezers 14 d, forceps),clamping means (e.g., hemostat 14 b, clamps), access means (e.g.,dilators, specula), injection/irrigation means (e.g., needles, tips),drilling means (e.g., a drill bit), or measurement means (e.g., rulers,calipers).

In addition to the metallic surgical objects, other surgical objects 14may also be tagged and identified for use with the interrogation anddetection system, such as a sponge 14 a. In some implementations, theapparatuses 20 of the present disclosure are used to physically coupletransponders to such other surgical objects. However, in someimplementations, some or all of those surgical objects are tagged usingother types of transponder devices or attachment structures.

In use, the medical provider (not shown) may position the antenna 5 bproximate the patient 10 in order to detect the presence or absence ofthe transponder and hence a foreign object. The medical professional mayin some embodiments move the antenna 5 b along and/or across the body ofthe patient 10. In some implementations, the antenna 5 b is sized to fitat least partially in a body cavity of the patient 10. Although a humanpatient 10 is illustrated, the described interrogation and detectionsystem 1 may similarly be used on animals.

Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to detection and/oridentification of surgical objects 14 through interrogation oftransponders in a surgical environment 1. Instead, detection and/oridentification of surgical objects 14 through interrogation oftransponders can be used to track surgical objects 14 through multipleuse cycles, sterilization, maintenance, etc., and/or can be used toadvantageously detect and/or identify surgical objects 14 within amanufacturing and/or shipping context.

FIGS. 2-4 show an apparatus 100 to physically couple at least onetransponder 138 to a surgical object 190. In particular, FIG. 2 showsthe apparatus 100 not physically coupled to the surgical object 190while FIGS. 3 and 4 show the apparatus 100 physically coupled to thesurgical object 190.

The apparatus 100 includes a first clamp 102, a second clamp 152, and ahousing 130. In each of FIGS. 2-4 the housing 130 is transparentlydepicted for the purposes of illustrating certain features of theapparatus 100 internal to the housing 130. However, the housing 130 istypically not transparent.

The first clamp 102 includes a first fastener 104 and a first channelmember 106. The first channel member 106 has a first base 108 and afirst pair of side portions 110 a and 110 b that extend from the firstbase 108. The first pair of side portions 110 a and 110 b are opposed toone another across a width 112 of the first channel member 106 to form afirst channel 114 therebetween. The width 112 of the first channel 114is sized to receive at least a first portion 192 of the surgical object190 therein.

The first channel member 106 may be metal, plastic, and/or othermaterials. The first channel member 106 may be a single integral pieceor may be formed from multiple components. For example, one or morebending operations may shape a single band of metal into the firstchannel member 106. Alternatively, the first pair of side portions 110 aand 110 b may be separate pieces that are physically coupled to thefirst base 108 (e.g., by welding).

As shown best in FIG. 2, the first base 108 is curved to accommodate acurved surface of the surgical object 190 (e.g., a curved surface of anelongated handle portion or elongated member of the surgical object190). In some implementations, the first side portions 110 a and 110 bare similarly curved to accommodate a portion of the surgical object 190with multiple curved surfaces (e.g., a cylindrical portion). However, insome implementations, neither the first base 108 nor the first sideportions 110 a and 110 b are curved, thereby accommodating a portion ofthe surgical object 190 with a rectangular cross-section.

Similar to first clamp 102, the second clamp 152 includes a secondfastener 154 and a second channel member 156. The second channel member156 has a second base 158 and a second pair of side portions 160 a and160 b that extend from the second base 158. The second pair of sideportions 160 a and 160 b are opposed to one another across a width 162of the second channel member 156 to form a second channel 164therebetween. The width 162 of the second channel 164 is sized toreceive at least a second portion 194 of the surgical object 190therein. The second channel member 156 may be constructed as discussedabove with respect to the first channel member 106.

The housing 130 has a first cavity 132, a second cavity 140, a firstpassageway 134, a second passageway 136, and a third passageway 142. Thefirst cavity 132 receives at least a portion of the first pair of sideportions 110 a and 110 b of the first channel member 106. The secondcavity 140 receives at least a portion of the second pair of sideportions 160 a and 160 b of the second channel member 156.

The housing 130 may be non-metallic (e.g., formed of one or moreplastics) to prevent the housing 130 from impeding or interfering withaccurate detection of the transponder 138 by the detection andinterrogation system 5. In some implementations, the housing 130 is asingle, integral piece of plastic formed through a molding process. Forexample, the passageways 134, 136, and 142 may be defined within thehousing 130 during the molding process. Alternatively, one or moredrilling operations may create the passageways 134, 136, and 142 in thesingle, integral piece of plastic. In other implementations, the housing130 comprises two or more portions that are secured together aftermanufacturing. For example, the housing 130 may consist of two bodyportions that snap together or otherwise have means for coupling to eachother (e.g., a complementary peg and hole, clasps, etc.). The housing130 may be rigid and non-elastic or may exhibit some elasticity.

As shown best in FIG. 2, the first passageway 134 extends in a firstdirection, the second passageway 136 extends in a second direction, andthe third passageway 142 extends in a third direction. The thirddirection is parallel to the first direction and the second direction isnot parallel to the first and the third directions. In someimplementations, the second direction is substantially perpendicular tothe first and third directions.

The first passageway 134 receives the first fastener 104. The firstpassageway 134 opens at least in part into the first cavity 132 topermit the first fastener 104 to extend at least in part into the firstcavity 132 and adjustably engage with the first channel member 106. Inparticular, the first fastener 104 includes a first screw that has ahead 118 and an elongated shaft 116. The shaft 116 has a first diameterand the head 118 has a second diameter that is greater than the firstdiameter. The first passageway 134 includes an outer portion that has athird diameter that is greater than the second diameter and an innerportion that has a fourth diameter that is greater than the firstdiameter and less than the second diameter. As such, the firstpassageway 134 defines a first shelf at a first transition between theouter portion and the inner portion of the first passageway 134. Thehead 118 of the first screw engages the first shelf.

The first fastener 104 adjustably engages with the first channel member106 to securingly clamp the first portion 192 of the surgical object 190in the first channel 114 of the first channel member 106. Moreparticularly, the shaft 116 has external threading. The first fastener104 further includes a first nut 120 that securingly receives the shaft116 (e.g., has internal threading complementary to the externalthreading of the shaft 116). The first channel member 106 furtherincludes a first pair of flanges 122 a and 122 b that respectivelyextend from the first pair of side portions 110 a and 110 b into thefirst channel 114. The first nut 120 is positioned between the firstpair of flanges 122 a and 122 b and the first base 108. The first nut120 physically engages the first pair of flanges 122 a and 122 b.

Thus, for example, the shaft 116 extends from the first passageway 134into the first cavity 132 to securingly and adjustably engage with thefirst nut 120. The first nut 120 physically engages the first pair offlanges 122 a and 122 b. Rotation of the first screw in a firstrotational direction will therefore result in the first clamp 102 beingtightened to securingly clamp the first portion 192 of the surgicalobject 190 in the first channel 114. Likewise, rotation of the firstscrew in a second rotational direction opposite the first will result inthe first clamp 102 being loosened.

The third passageway 142 receives the second fastener 154 and opens atleast in part into the second cavity 140 to permit the second fastener154 to extend at least in part into the second cavity 140 and adjustablyengage with the second channel member 156. In particular, the secondfastener 154 includes a second screw that has a head 168 and anelongated shaft 166. The shaft 166 has the first diameter and the head168 has the second diameter that is greater than the second diameter.The second passageway 142 includes an outer portion that has the thirddiameter that is greater than the second diameter and an inner portionthat has the fourth diameter that is greater than the first diameter andless than the second diameter. As such, the second passageway 142defines a second shelf at a second transition between the outer portionand the inner portion of the second passageway 142. The head 168 of thesecond screw engages the second shelf.

The second fastener 154 adjustably engages with the second channelmember 156 to securingly clamp the second portion 194 of the surgicalobject 190 in the second channel 164 of the second channel member 156.More particularly, the shaft 166 has external threading and the secondfastener 154 further includes a second nut 170 that securingly receivesthe shaft 166 (e.g., has internal threading complementary to theexternal threading of the shaft 166). The second channel member 156further includes a second pair of flanges 172 a and 172 b thatrespectively extend from the second pair of side portions 160 a and 160b into the second channel 164. The second nut 170 is positioned betweenthe second pair of flanges 172 a and 172 b and the second base 158. Thesecond nut 170 physically engages the second pair of flanges 172 a and172 b.

Thus, for example, as best shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 166 extends fromthe second passageway 142 into the second cavity 140 to securingly andadjustably engage with the second nut 170. The second nut 170 physicallyengages the second pair of flanges 172 a and 172 b. Rotation of thesecond screw in a first rotational direction will therefore result inthe second clamp 152 being tightened to securingly clamp the secondportion 194 of the surgical object 190 in the second channel 164.Likewise, rotation of the second screw in a second rotational directionopposite the first will result in the second clamp 152 being loosened.

The second passageway 136 receives at least one transponder 138 thatwirelessly receives and returns signals. The transponder 138 may beconstructed in various manners. For example, the transponder 138 mayinclude a ferrite rod with a conductive coil wrapped about an exteriorsurface thereof to form an inductor, and a capacitor coupled to theconductive coil to form a series circuit. The conductive coil may, forexample, take the form of a spiral wound conductive wire with anelectrically insulative sheath or sleeve. In other implementations, thetransponder 138 includes an RFID chip that stores identificationinformation that uniquely identifies the transponder 138. Additionaldetails about types of transponders may be found in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/811,376 filed Jun. 6, 2006; U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/892,208 filed Feb. 28, 2007; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/106,052 filed Jan. 21, 2015, eachof which are herein incorporated by reference.

The second passageway 136 intersects the first passageway 134. Inparticular, the second passageway 136 intersects the outer portion ofthe first passageway 134. The second passageway 136 has a fifth diameterat least greater than the second diameter of the head 118 of the firstfastener 104.

In some implementations, an encapsulant (not shown) fills the portionsof each of passageways 134, 136, and 142 that are respectivelyunoccupied by the first fastener 104, the transponder 138, and thesecond fastener 154. The encapsulant may be shaped to substantiallymatch an exterior surface of the housing 130 and thereby contribute to asubstantially continuous exterior surface of the apparatus 100. Theencapsulant may ensure that the first fastener 104, the transponder 138,and the second fastener 154 are physically secured in their respectivepositions and/or prevent contaminants from entering the passageways 134,136, and 142.

In some implementations, the encapsulant is capable of withstandingmultiple rounds of sterilization of the apparatus 100 by one or more ofautoclaving, electron beam or isotope radiation, ethylene oxide, plasmaor corona discharge, and liquid sterilants. In some implementations, theencapsulant is a biocompatible epoxy. In some implementations, theencapsulant may be readily removed from at least passageways 134 and 142to permit removal of the apparatus 100 from the surgical object 190. Forexample, the encapsulant may be removed via drilling or mechanicalabrasion.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the apparatus 100 is manufacturedand distributed without a transponder 138 attached or received withinthe housing 130. Advantageously, a transponder 138 compatible with aparticular detection and interrogation system can be placed into theapparatus 100 at a subsequent time, for example by the end-user.

FIGS. 5-8 show an apparatus 200 to physically couple at least onetransponder 238 to a surgical object 290. In particular, FIG. 5 showsthe apparatus 200 not physically coupled to the surgical object 290while FIGS. 6-8 show the apparatus 200 physically coupled to thesurgical object 290.

The apparatus 200 of FIGS. 5-8 is similar in many respects to theapparatus 100 of FIGS. 2-4, and similar or even identical structures maybe identified using analogous reference numbers in the figures. As such,certain commonly shared details regarding the materials and/or structureof apparatuses 100 and 200 are not repeated here in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring description of the apparatus 200.

The apparatus 200 includes a first clamp 202, a second clamp 252, and ahousing 230. In each of FIGS. 5-7 the housing 230 is transparentlydepicted for the purposes of illustrating certain features of theapparatus 200 internal to the housing 230. However, the housing 230 istypically not transparent. In FIG. 7, the housing 230 is nottransparently depicted.

The first clamp 202 includes a first fastener 204 and a first channelmember 206. The first channel member 206 has a first base 208 and afirst pair of side portions 210 a and 210 b that extend from the firstbase 208. The first pair of side portions 210 a and 210 b are opposed toone another across a width of the first channel member 206 to form afirst channel 214 therebetween. The width of the first channel 214 issized to receive at least a first portion 292 of the surgical object 290therein.

Similar to first clamp 202, the second clamp 252 includes a secondfastener 254 and a second channel member 256. The second channel member256 has a second base 258 and a second pair of side portions 260 a and260 b that extend from the second base 258. The second pair of sideportions 260 a and 260 b are opposed to one another across a width ofthe second channel member 256 to form a second channel 264 therebetween.The width of the second channel 264 is sized to receive at least asecond portion 294 of the surgical object 290 therein.

The housing 230 has a first cavity 232, a second cavity 240, a firstpassageway 234, a second passageway 236, and a third passageway 242. Thefirst cavity 232 receives at least a portion of the first pair of sideportions 210 a and 210 b of the first channel member 206. The secondcavity 240 receives at least a portion of the second pair of sideportions 260 a and 260 b of the second channel member 256. As best shownin FIG. 8, the cavities 232 and 240 of housing 230 of apparatus 200 maynot respectively fully enclose the received portions of the first andthe second channel members 206 and 256, as do the cavities 132 and 140of housing 130 of apparatus 100.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the first passageway 234 receives the firstfastener 204. The first passageway 234 opens at least in part into thefirst cavity 232 to permit the first fastener 204 to extend at least inpart into the first cavity 232 and adjustably engage with the firstchannel member 206. In particular, the first fastener 204 includes afirst screw that has a head 218 and an elongated shaft 216. The shaft216 has a first diameter and the head 218 has a second diameter that isgreater than the first diameter. The first passageway 234 includes anouter portion that has a third diameter that is greater than the seconddiameter and an inner portion that has a fourth diameter that is greaterthan the first diameter and less than the second diameter. As such, thefirst passageway 234 defines a first shelf at a first transition betweenthe outer portion and the inner portion of the first passageway 234. Thehead 218 of the first screw engages the first shelf. In someimplementations, the shaft 216 of apparatus 200 is relatively longerthan the shaft 116 of apparatus 100.

The first fastener 204 adjustably engages with the first channel member206 to securingly clamp the first portion 292 of the surgical object 290in the first channel 214 of the first channel member 206. Moreparticularly, the shaft 216 has external threading. The first fastener204 further includes a first nut 220 that securingly receives the shaft216 (e.g., has internal threading complementary to the externalthreading of the shaft 216). The first channel member 206 furtherincludes a first pair of flanges 222 a and 222 b that respectivelyextend from the first pair of side portions 210 a and 210 b into thefirst channel 214. The first nut 220 is positioned opposite the firstpair of flanges 222 a and 222 b from the first base 208. The first nut220 physically engages the first pair of flanges 222 a and 222 b. Insome implementations, the first nut 220 is securingly engaged with thefirst pair of flanges 222 a and 222 b, for example, by an adhesive or bywelding.

Furthermore, the first pair of flanges 222 a and 222 b includerespective end portions 223 a and 223 b that are respectively angledtowards the first base 208 of the first channel member 206. In someimplementations, the respective end portions 223 a and 223 b of thefirst pair of flanges 222 a and 222 b securingly engage the externalthreading of the shaft 216.

Thus, for example, the shaft 216 extends from the first passageway 234into the first cavity 232 to securingly and adjustably engage with thefirst nut 220 and/or the respective end portions 223 a and 223 b of thefirst pair of flanges 222 a and 222 b. The first nut 220 may physicallyengage the first pair of flanges 222 a and 222 b. Rotation of the firstscrew in a first rotational direction will therefore result in the firstclamp 202 being tightened to securingly clamp the first portion 292 ofthe surgical object 290 in the first channel 214. Likewise, rotation ofthe first screw in a second rotational direction opposite the first willresult in the first clamp 202 being loosened.

The third passageway 242 receives the second fastener 254 and opens atleast in part into the second cavity 240 to permit the second fastener254 to extend at least in part into the second cavity 240 and adjustablyengage with the second channel member 256. In particular, the secondfastener 254 includes a second screw that has a head 268 and anelongated shaft 266. The shaft 266 has the first diameter and the head268 has the second diameter that is greater than the second diameter.The second passageway 242 includes an outer portion that has the thirddiameter that is greater than the second diameter and an inner portionthat has the fourth diameter that is greater than the first diameter andless than the second diameter. As such, the second passageway 242defines a second shelf at a second transition between the outer portionand the inner portion of the second passageway 242. The head 268 of thesecond screw engages the second shelf.

The second fastener 254 adjustably engages with the second channelmember 256 to securingly clamp the second portion 294 of the surgicalobject 290 in the second channel 264 of the second channel member 256.More particularly, the shaft 266 has external threading and the secondfastener 254 further includes a second nut 270 that securingly receivesthe shaft 266 (e.g., has internal threading complementary to theexternal threading of the shaft 266). The second channel member 256further includes a second pair of flanges 272 a and 272 b thatrespectively extend from the second pair of side portions 260 a and 260b into the second channel 264. The second nut 270 is positioned oppositethe second pair of flanges 272 a and 272 b from the second base 258. Insome implementations, the second nut 270 is securingly engaged with thesecond pair of flanges 272 a and 272 b, for example, by an adhesive orby welding.

Furthermore, the second pair of flanges 272 a and 272 b includerespective end portions 273 a and 273 b that are respectively angledtowards the second base 258 of the second channel member 256. In someimplementations, the respective end portions 273 a and 273 b of thesecond pair of flanges 272 a and 272 b securingly engage the externalthreading of the shaft 266.

Thus, for example, as best shown in FIG. 7, the shaft 266 extends fromthe second passageway 242 into the second cavity 240 to securingly andadjustably engage with the second nut 270 and/or the respective endportions 273 a and 273 b of the second pair of flanges 272 a and 272 b.The second nut 270 may physically engage the second pair of flanges 272a and 272 b. Rotation of the second screw in a first rotationaldirection will therefore result in the second clamp 252 being tightenedto securingly clamp the second portion 294 of the surgical object 290 inthe second channel 264. Likewise, rotation of the second screw in asecond rotational direction opposite the first will result in the secondclamp 252 being loosened.

In some implementations, the clamps 202 and 252 are respectivelytightened until the respective shafts 216 and 256 of fasteners 204 and254 respectively physically engage the portions 292 and 294 of thesurgical object 290 respectively secured in the first and the secondchannels.

The second passageway 236 receives at least one transponder 238 thatwirelessly receives and returns signals. The second passageway 236intersects the first passageway 234. In particular, the secondpassageway 236 intersects the inner portion of the first passageway 234.The second passageway 236 has a fifth diameter at least greater than thesecond diameter of the head 218 of the first fastener 204.

In some implementations, an encapsulant (not shown) fills the portionsof each of passageways 234, 236, and 242 that are respectivelyunoccupied by the first fastener 204, the transponder 238, and thesecond fastener 254. The encapsulant may be shaped to substantiallymatch an exterior surface of the housing 230 and thereby contribute to asubstantially continuous exterior surface of the apparatus 200. Theencapsulant may ensure that the first fastener 204, the transponder 238,and the second fastener 254 are physically secured in their respectivepositions and/or prevent contaminants from entering the passageways 234,236, and 242.

In some implementations, the encapsulant is capable of withstandingmultiple rounds of sterilization of the apparatus 200 by one or more ofautoclaving, electron beam or isotope radiation, ethylene oxide, plasmaor corona discharge, and liquid sterilants. In some implementations, theencapsulant is a biocompatible epoxy. In some implementations, theencapsulant may be readily removed from at least passageways 234 and 242to permit removal of the apparatus 200 from the surgical object 290. Forexample, the encapsulant may be removed via drilling or mechanicalabrasion.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show an apparatus 300 to physically couple at least onetransponder 338 to a surgical object 390. The apparatus 300 of FIGS. 9and 10 is similar in many respects to the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2-4,and similar or even identical structures may be identified usinganalogous reference numbers in the figures. As such, certain commonlyshared details regarding the materials and/or structure of apparatuses100 and 300 are not repeated here in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring description of the apparatus 300.

The apparatus 300 includes a first clamp 302, a second clamp 352, and ahousing 330. In each of FIGS. 9 and 10 the housing 330 is transparentlydepicted for the purposes of illustrating certain features of theapparatus 300 internal to the housing 330. However, the housing 330 istypically not transparent.

The first clamp 302 includes a first fastener 304 and a first channelmember 306. The first channel member 306 has a first base 308 and afirst pair of side portions 310 a and 310 b that extend from the firstbase 308. The first pair of side portions 310 a and 310 b are opposed toone another across a width of the first channel member 306 to form afirst channel 314 therebetween. The width of the first channel 314 issized to receive at least a first portion 392 of the surgical object 390therein. As best shown in FIG. 9, in some implementations, a length 311of each of the first pair of side portions 310 a and 310 b may taperedlyincrease as the respective side portion extends away from the first base308.

Similar to first clamp 302, the second clamp 352 includes a secondfastener 354 and a second channel member 356. The second channel member356 has a second base 358 and a second pair of side portions 360 a and360 b that extend from the second base 358. The second pair of sideportions 360 a and 360 b are opposed to one another across a width ofthe second channel member 356 to form a second channel 364 therebetween.The width of the second channel 364 is sized to receive at least asecond portion 394 of the surgical object 390 therein. As best shown inFIG. 9, in some implementations, a length 361 of each of the second pairof side portions 360 a and 360 b may taperedly increase as therespective side portion extends away from the second base 358.

The housing 330 has a first cavity 332, a second cavity 340, a firstpassageway 334, a second passageway 336, and a third passageway 342. Thefirst cavity 332 receives at least a portion of the first pair of sideportions 310 a and 310 b of the first channel member 306. The secondcavity 340 receives at least a portion of the second pair of sideportions 360 a and 360 b of the second channel member 356.

The first passageway 334 receives the first fastener 304. The firstpassageway 334 opens at least in part into the first cavity 332 topermit the first fastener 304 to extend at least in part into the firstcavity 332 and adjustably engage with the first channel member 306. Inparticular, the first fastener 304 includes a first screw that has ahead 318 and an elongated shaft 316. The shaft 316 has a first diameterand the head 318 has a second diameter that is greater than the firstdiameter. The first passageway 334 includes an outer portion that has athird diameter that is greater than the second diameter and an innerportion that has a fourth diameter that is greater than the firstdiameter and less than the second diameter. As such, the firstpassageway 334 defines a first shelf at a first transition between theouter portion and the inner portion of the first passageway 334. Thehead 318 of the first screw engages the first shelf.

The first fastener 304 adjustably engages with the first channel member306 to securingly clamp the first portion 392 of the surgical object 390in the first channel 314 of the first channel member 306. Moreparticularly, the shaft 316 may have external threading. The firstfastener 304 further includes a first nut 320 that securingly receivesthe shaft 316 (e.g., has internal threading complementary to theexternal threading of the shaft 316). The first channel member 306further includes a first pair of flanges 322 a and 322 b thatrespectively extend from the first pair of side portions 310 a and 310 binto the first channel 314. The first nut 320 is positioned between thefirst pair of flanges 322 a and 322 b and the first base 308. The firstnut 320 physically engages at least one of the first pair of flanges 322a and 322 b.

Furthermore, the first pair of flanges 322 a and 322 b extendsubstantially across the entire width of the first channel member 306.The first pair of flanges 322 a and 322 b overlap and physically engageeach other. However, in some implementations, the first pair of flanges322 a and 322 b do not physically engage each other.

Each of the first pair of flanges 322 a and 322 b includes a respectivethrough-hole (only through-hole 323 b of flange 322 b visible and calledout). The respective through-holes of the first pair of flanges 322 aand 322 b are aligned. The shaft 316 extends through the through-holesof the first pair of flanges 322 a and 322 b, for example, to reach thefirst nut 320. In some implementations, the edge of each of the firstpair of flanges 322 a and 322 b that defines the respective through-holephysically engages the exterior threading of the shaft 316.

Thus, for example, the shaft 316 extends from the first passageway 334into the first cavity 332 to securingly and adjustably engage with thefirst nut 320 and/or the first pair of flanges 322 a and 322 b. Thefirst nut 320 physically engages at least one of the first pair offlanges 322 a and 322 b. Rotation of the first screw in a firstrotational direction will therefore result in the first clamp 302 beingtightened to securingly clamp the first portion 392 of the surgicalobject 390 in the first channel 314. Likewise, rotation of the firstscrew in a second rotational direction opposite the first will result inthe first clamp 302 being loosened.

The third passageway 342 receives the second fastener 354 and opens atleast in part into the second cavity 340 to permit the second fastener354 to extend at least in part into the second cavity 340 and adjustablyengage with the second channel member 356. In particular, the secondfastener 354 includes a second screw that has a head 368 and anelongated shaft 366. The shaft 366 has the first diameter and the head368 has the second diameter that is greater than the second diameter.The second passageway 342 includes an outer portion that has the thirddiameter that is greater than the second diameter and an inner portionthat has the fourth diameter that is greater than the first diameter andless than the second diameter. As such, the second passageway 342defines a second shelf at a second transition between the outer portionand the inner portion of the second passageway 342. The head 368 of thesecond screw engages the second shelf.

The second fastener 354 adjustably engages with the second channelmember 356 to securingly clamp the second portion 394 of the surgicalobject 390 in the second channel 364 of the second channel member 356.More particularly, the shaft 366 has external threading and the secondfastener 354 further includes a second nut 370 that securingly receivesthe shaft 366 (e.g., has internal threading complementary to theexternal threading of the shaft 366). The second channel member 356further includes a second pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b thatrespectively extend from the second pair of side portions 360 a and 360b into the second channel 364. The second nut 370 is positioned betweenthe second pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b and the second base 358. Thesecond nut 370 physically engages at least one of the second pair offlanges 372 a and 372 b.

Furthermore, as best shown in FIG. 10, the second pair of flanges 372 aand 372 b extend substantially across the entire width of the secondchannel member 356. The second pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b overlapand physically engage each other. However, in some implementations, thesecond pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b do not physically engage eachother.

Each of the second pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b includes a respectivethrough-hole (only through-hole 373 b of flange 372 b visible and calledout). The respective through-holes of the second pair of flanges 372 aand 372 b are aligned. The shaft 366 extends through the through-holesof the second pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b, for example, to reach thesecond nut 370. In some implementations, the edge of the each of thesecond pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b that defines the respectivethrough-hole physically engages the exterior threading of the shaft 316.

Thus, for example, as best shown in FIG. 10, the shaft 366 extends fromthe second passageway 342 into the second cavity 340 to securingly andadjustably engage with the second nut 370 and/or the second pair offlanges 372 a and 372 b. The second nut 370 physically engages at leastone of the second pair of flanges 372 a and 372 b. Rotation of thesecond screw in a first rotational direction will therefore result inthe second clamp 352 being tightened to securingly clamp the secondportion 394 of the surgical object 390 in the second channel 364.Likewise, rotation of the second screw in a second rotational directionopposite the first will result in the second clamp 352 being loosened.

The second passageway 336 receives at least one transponder 338 thatwirelessly receives and returns signals. The second passageway 336intersects the first passageway 334. In particular, the secondpassageway 336 intersects the outer portion of the first passageway 334.The second passageway 336 has a fifth diameter at least greater than thesecond diameter of the head 318 of the first fastener 304.

In some implementations, an encapsulant (not shown) fills the portionsof each of passageways 334, 336, and 342 that are respectivelyunoccupied by the first fastener 304, the transponder 338, and thesecond fastener 354. The encapsulant may be shaped to substantiallymatch an exterior surface of the housing 330 and thereby contribute to asubstantially continuous exterior surface of the apparatus 300. Theencapsulant may ensure that the first fastener 304, the transponder 338,and the second fastener 354 are physically secured in their respectivepositions and/or prevent contaminants from entering the passageways 334,336, and 342.

In some implementations, the encapsulant is capable of withstandingmultiple rounds of sterilization of the apparatus 300 by one or more ofautoclaving, electron beam or isotope radiation, ethylene oxide, plasmaor corona discharge, and liquid sterilants. In some implementations, theencapsulant is a biocompatible epoxy. In some implementations, theencapsulant may be readily removed from at least passageways 334 and 342to permit removal of the apparatus 300 from the surgical object 390. Forexample, the encapsulant may be removed via drilling or mechanicalabrasion.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an apparatus 400 to physically couple at least onetransponder 438 to a surgical object 490. The apparatus 400 of FIGS. 11and 12 is similar in many respects to the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2-4,and similar or even identical structures may be identified usinganalogous reference numbers in the figures. As such, certain commonlyshared details regarding the materials and/or structure of apparatuses100 and 400 are not repeated here in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring description of the apparatus 400.

The apparatus 400 includes a first channel member 406, a second channelmember 456, and a housing 430. In each of FIGS. 11 and 12 the housing430 is transparently depicted for the purposes of illustrating certainfeatures of the apparatus 400 internal to the housing 430. However, thehousing 430 is typically not transparent.

The first channel member 406 has a first base 408 and a first pair ofside portions 410 a and 410 b that extend from the first base 408. Thefirst pair of side portions 410 a and 410 b are opposed to one anotheracross a width of the first channel member 406 to form a first channel414 therebetween. The width of the first channel 414 is sized to receiveat least a first portion 492 of the surgical object 490 therein. In someimplementations, the first base 408 and the first pair of side portions461 a and 410 b are cylindrical. For example, the first channel member406 may be formed from a wire.

Similar to first channel member 406, the second channel member 456 has asecond base 458 and a second pair of side portions 460 a and 460 b thatextend from the second base 458. The second pair of side portions 460 aand 460 b are opposed to one another across a width of the secondchannel member 456 to form a second channel 464 therebetween. The widthof the second channel 464 is sized to receive at least a second portion494 of the surgical object 490 therein. In some implementations, thesecond base 458 and the second pair of side portions 460 a and 460 b arecylindrical.

The housing 430 has a first cavity 432 and a second cavity 440. Thefirst cavity 432 has a first body portion 436 and a first pair of legportions 434 a and 434 b that respectively extend from the first bodyportion 436 in a first direction. Likewise, the second cavity 440 has asecond body portion 444 and a second pair of leg portions 442 a and 442b that respectively extend from the second body portion 444 in the firstdirection.

The first pair of side portions 410 a and 410 b respectively extendthrough the first pair of leg portions 434 a and 434 b to reach thefirst body portion 436 of the first cavity 432. The first pair of sideportions 410 a and 410 b are physically secured to each other within thefirst body portion 436 of the first cavity 432 to physically secure thefirst channel member 406 with respect to the housing 430 and clamp thefirst portion 492 of the surgical object 490 in the first channel.

More particularly, in some implementations, the first pair of sideportions 410 a and 410 b are twisted together in the first body portion436 of the first cavity 432. For example, the first pair of sideportions 410 a and 410 b may respectively have a first pair of endportions 422 a and 422 b that respectively extend from the first pair ofside portions 410 a and 410 b into the first channel. The first pair ofend portions 422 a and 422 b may respectively have a first pair ofcomplementary helical structures 423 a and 423 b that physically engageeach other.

As best shown in FIG. 12, the second pair of side portions 460 a and 460b respectively extend through the second pair of leg portions 442 a and442 b to reach the second body portion 444 of the second cavity 440. Thesecond pair of side portions 460 a and 460 b are physically secured toeach other within the second body portion 444 of the second cavity 440to physically secure the second channel member 456 with respect to thehousing 430 and clamp the second portion 494 of the surgical object 490in the second channel.

More particularly, in some implementations, the second pair of sideportions 460 a and 460 b are twisted together in the second body portion444 of the second cavity 440. For example, the second pair of sideportions 460 a and 460 b may respectively have a second pair of endportions 472 a and 472 b that respectively extend from the second pairof side portions 460 a and 460 b into the second channel. The secondpair of end portions 472 a and 472 b may respectively have a second pairof complementary helical structures 473 a and 473 b that physicallyengage each other.

At least one transponder 438 may be received in the housing 430. Forexample, the housing 430 may include one or more passageways to receivethe at least one transponder 438. In implementations in which the atleast one transponder 438 is received in a passageway of the housing130, an encapsulant (not shown) fills the portion of such passagewaythat is unoccupied by the at least one transponder 438. The encapsulantmay be a biocompatible epoxy.

In other implementations, the at least one transponder 438 is molded orpotted into the housing 430. For example, the at least one transponder438 may be molded into the housing 430 when the housing 430 initiallycreated through a molding process. As another example, the housing 430may include one or more transponder receiving cavities (not shown) andthe at least one transponder 438 may be potted into such a transponderreceiving cavity by an end-user (e.g., using an encapsulant). In yetother implementations, the at least one transponder 438 may befree-floating within such a transponder receiving cavity.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show an apparatus 500 to physically couple at least onetransponder 538 to a surgical object 590. The apparatus 500 of FIGS. 13and 14 is similar in many respects to the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2-4,and similar or even identical structures may be identified usinganalogous reference numbers in the figures. As such, certain commonlyshared details regarding the materials and/or structure of apparatuses100 and 500 are not repeated here in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring description of the apparatus 500.

The apparatus 500 includes a first channel member 506, a second channelmember 556, and a housing 530. In each of FIGS. 13 and 14 the housing530 is transparently depicted for the purposes of illustrating certainfeatures of the apparatus 500 internal to the housing 530. However, thehousing 530 is typically not transparent.

The first channel member 506 has a first base 508 and a first pair ofside portions 510 a and 510 b that extend from the first base 508. Thefirst pair of side portions 510 a and 510 b are opposed to one anotheracross a width of the first channel member 506 to form a first channel514 therebetween. The width of the first channel 514 is sized to receiveat least a first portion 592 of the surgical object 590 therein. Thefirst channel member 506 further has a first pair of flanges 522 a and522 b that respectively extend from the first pair of side portions 510a and 510 b into the first channel. In some implementations, the firstpair of flanges 522 a and 522 b are respectively angled slightlydownwards towards the first base 508. In other implementations, thefirst pair of flanges 522 a and 522 b respectively extend perpendicularto the first pair of side portions 510 a and 510 b.

Similar to first channel member 506, the second channel member 556 has asecond base 558 and a second pair of side portions 560 a and 560 b thatextend from the second base 558. The second pair of side portions 560 aand 560 b are opposed to one another across a width of the secondchannel member 556 to form a second channel 564 therebetween. The widthof the second channel 564 is sized to receive at least a second portion594 of the surgical object 590 therein. As best shown in FIG. 14, thesecond channel member 556 further has a second pair of flanges 572 a and572 b that respectively extend from the second pair of side portions 560a and 560 b into the second channel. In some implementations, the secondpair of flanges 572 a and 572 b are respectively angled slightlydownwards towards the second base 558. In other implementations, thesecond pair of flanges 572 a and 572 b respectively extend perpendicularto the second pair of side portions 560 a and 560 b.

The housing 530 has a first pair of cavities 532 a and 532 b and asecond pair of cavities 540 a and 540 b. The first pair of cavities 532a and 532 b respectively receive at least the first pair of flanges 522a and 522 b of the first channel member 506. Likewise, the second pairof cavities 540 a and 540 b respectively receive at least the secondpair of flanges 572 a and 572 b of the second channel member 556.

A plurality of pairs of teeth are respectively defined in each of thefirst pair of cavities 532 a and 532 b and the second pair of cavities540 a and 540 b (only certain pairs of teeth numerically called out toprevent obscuring the drawings). The flanges of each channel member 506and 556 physically engage with a respective pair of the plurality ofpairs of teeth to respectively physically secure the channel members 506and 556 with respect to the housing 530.

As an example, as best shown in FIG. 14, a first pair of teeth 542 a and542 b, a second pair of teeth 543 a and 543 b, and a third pair of teeth544 a and 544 b are respectively defined in the second pair of cavities540 a and 540 b. Each tooth extends from the housing 530 into thecorresponding cavity. The second pair of flanges 572 a and 572 b of thesecond channel member 556 are respectively physically engaged with thethird pair of teeth 544 a and 544 b to physically secure the secondchannel member 556 with respect to the housing 530 and securingly clampthe second portion 594 of the surgical object 590 into the secondchannel of the second channel member 556.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of pairsof teeth are located at a plurality of different positions thatrespectively correspond to a plurality of different potential channelheights for the channel defined by the corresponding channel member.Such may advantageously allow snug coupling of the apparatus 500 todifferent surgical objects 590 having different heights or thicknesses.As an example, as shown in FIG. 14, the second pair of flanges 572 a and572 b of the second channel member 556 are respectively physicallyengaged with the third pair of teeth 544 a and 544 b. This configurationresults in the smallest available channel height (e.g., distance fromsecond base 558 to the housing 530). Adjusting the second channel member556 such that the second pair of flanges 572 a and 572 b respectivelyphysically engage a different pair of teeth (e.g., the first pair ofteeth 542 a and 542 b) results in a relatively larger channel heightthat may accommodate a relatively larger portion of the same ordifferent surgical object. Further, although three pairs of teeth areshown in each pair of cavities in FIG. 14, any number of teeth may bedefined in the pairs of cavities.

At least one transponder 538 may be received in the housing 530. Forexample, the housing 530 may include one or more passageways to receivethe at least one transponder 538. In implementations in which the atleast one transponder 538 is received in a passageway of the housing130, an encapsulant (not shown) fills the portion of such passagewaythat is unoccupied by the at least one transponder 538. The encapsulantmay be a biocompatible epoxy.

In other implementations, the at least one transponder 538 is molded orpotted into the housing 530. For example, the at least one transponder538 may be molded into the housing 530 when the housing 530 initiallycreated through a molding process. As another example, the housing 530may include one or more transponder receiving cavities (not shown) andthe at least one transponder 538 may be potted into such a transponderreceiving cavity by an end-user (e.g., using an encapsulant). In yetother implementations, the at least one transponder 538 may befree-floating within such a transponder receiving cavity.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of an apparatus 600 physicallycoupled to a surgical object 690, according to at least one illustratedembodiment. The apparatus 600 of FIG. 15 is similar in many respects tothe apparatus 100 of FIGS. 2-4, and similar or even identical structuresmay be identified using analogous reference numbers in the figures. Assuch, certain commonly shared details regarding the materials and/orstructure of apparatuses 100 and 600 are not repeated here in detail toavoid unnecessarily obscuring description of the apparatus 600.

The apparatus includes a first channel member 606, a second channelmember 656, and a housing 630. The first channel member 606 and thesecond channel member 656 are respectively physically secured withrespect to the housing 632 securingly clamp respective portions of thesurgical object 690 in a first channel and a second channel respectivelydefined thereby. The housing 630 receives at least one transponder.

In particular, FIG. 15 illustrates various spatial features of theapparatus 600. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the housing 630 issubstantially spaced a distance 636 from the surgical object 690. Suchspacing distance 636 may advantageously help to prevent signal loss dueto any metallic portions of the surgical object 690 acting as a Faradayshield or otherwise interfering with wireless communications of thetransponder.

An exterior profile of the housing 630 includes a first exterior surface632 and a second exterior surface 634. The first exterior surface 632extends perpendicularly away from an elongated member 694 of thesurgical object 690 and then curves and extends towards a finger loop696 of the surgical object 690. The second exterior surface 634 extendsfrom the first exterior surface 632 towards the elongated member 694 andincludes an arcuate portion that substantially matches an arcuatesurface 692 of the surgical object 690. The arcuate surface 692 is atransition between the finger loop 696 and the elongated member 694.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show an apparatus 700 that physically couples at leastone transponder 738 to a surgical object 790. In particular, FIG. 16 isa side elevational view of the apparatus 700 physically coupled to thesurgical object 790. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional diagram of theapparatus 700 physically coupled to the surgical object 790. Theapparatus 700 of FIGS. 16 and 17 is similar in many respects to theapparatus 100 of FIGS. 2-4, and similar or even identical structures maybe identified using analogous reference numbers in the figures. As such,certain commonly shared details regarding the materials and/or structureof apparatuses 100 and 700 are not repeated here in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring description of the apparatus 700.

The apparatus includes a first channel member 706, a second channelmember 756, and a housing 730. The first channel member 706 and thesecond channel member 756 are respectively physically secured withrespect to the housing 732 securingly clamp respective portions of thesurgical object 790 in a first channel and a second channel respectivelydefined thereby. The housing 730 receives at least one transponder.

In particular, FIG. 16 illustrates various spatial features of theapparatus 700. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the housing 730 sitssubstantially flush with the surgical object 790. Such mayadvantageously prevent objects, fluids, contaminants, or other itemsfrom reaching or otherwise becoming lodged between the apparatus 700 andthe surgical object 790.

An exterior profile of the housing 730 includes a first exterior surface732 and a second exterior surface 734. The first exterior surface 732extends parallel to an elongated member 794 of the surgical object 790and includes an arcuate portion that substantially matches an arcuatesurface 792 of the surgical object 790. The arcuate surface 792 is atransition between a finger loop 796 and the elongated member 794. Thesecond exterior surface 734 includes a first convex portion that extendsaway from the elongated member 794, a second convex portion that extendsaway from the finger loop 796, and a first concave portion thattransitions between the first and the second convex portions.

As best shown in FIG. 17, the housing includes a first passageway 734, asecond passageway 736, and a third passageway 742. The first passageway734 receives a first fastener 718. The first fastener 718 securingly andadjustably engages with the first channel member 706 to clamp a portionof the finger loop 796 in a first channel defined by the first channelmember 706. The second passageway receives at least one transponder 738.The third passageway 742 receives a second fastener 768. The secondfastener 768 securingly and adjustably engages with the second channelmember 756 to clamp a portion of the elongated member 794 and a secondchannel defined by the second channel member 756.

An encapsulant (not shown) fills the portions of each of passageways734, 736, and 742 that are respectively unoccupied by the first fastener718, the transponder 738, and the second fastener 768. The encapsulantmay be shaped to substantially match an exterior surface of the housing730 and thereby contribute to a substantially continuous second exteriorsurface 734 of the apparatus 700. The encapsulant may ensure that thefirst fastener 718, the transponder 738, and the second fastener 768 arephysically secured in their respective positions and/or preventcontaminants from entering the passageways 734, 736, and 742.

The particular configuration and internal structure of the apparatus 700illustrated in FIG. 17 is provided as one example configuration only.Other configurations may be used. As an example, in someimplementations, one or both of the first channel member 706 and thesecond channel member 756 are replaced with one or more clips, bands,loops, or other fasteners. For example, the clips may be plastic hooksthat are integral to the housing 730.

As another example, in some implementations, the apparatus 700 does notinclude the first fastener 718 and/or the second fastener 768. Forexample, the first channel member 706 and/or the second channel member756 may be physically secured relative to the housing 730 using couplingstructures such as those illustrated by FIGS. 11 and 12 and/or FIGS. 13and 14.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show an apparatus 800 that physically couples at leastone transponder 838 to a surgical object 890. In particular, FIG. 18 isa side elevational view of the apparatus 800 physically coupled to thesurgical object 890. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional diagram of theapparatus 800 physically coupled to the surgical object 890. Theapparatus 800 of FIGS. 18 and 19 is similar in many respects to theapparatus 100 of FIGS. 2-4, and similar or even identical structures maybe identified using analogous reference numbers in the figures. As such,certain commonly shared details regarding the materials and/or structureof apparatuses 100 and 800 are not repeated here in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring description of the apparatus 800. The apparatusincludes a first channel member 806, a second channel member 856, and ahousing 830. The first channel member 806 and the second channel member856 are respectively physically secured with respect to the housing 832securingly clamp respective portions of the surgical object 890 in afirst channel and a second channel respectively defined thereby. Thehousing 830 receives at least one transponder.

In particular, FIG. 15 illustrates various spatial features of theapparatus 800. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the housing 830 issubstantially spaced a distance 836 from the surgical object 890. Suchspacing distance 836 may advantageously help to prevent signal loss dueto any metallic portions of the surgical object 890 acting as a Faradayshield or otherwise interfering with wireless communications of thetransponder.

An exterior profile of the housing 830 includes a first exterior surface832 and a second exterior surface 834. The first exterior surface 832extends curvedly away from an elongated member 894 of the surgicalobject 890 and then extends towards a finger loop 896 of the surgicalobject 890. The second exterior surface 834 extends from the firstexterior surface 832 towards the elongated member 894 and includes anarcuate portion that substantially matches an arcuate surface 892 of thesurgical object 890. The arcuate surface 892 is a transition between thefinger loop 896 and the elongated member 894.

As best shown in FIG. 19, the housing includes a first passageway 834and a second passageway 842. The first passageway 834 receives a firstfastener 818. The first fastener 818 securingly and adjustably engageswith the first channel member 806 to clamp a portion of the finger loop896 in a first channel defined by the first channel member 806. Thefirst passageway further receives at least one transponder 838. Thesecond passageway 842 receives a second fastener 868. The secondfastener 868 securingly and adjustably engages with the second channelmember 856 to clamp a portion of the elongated member 894 and a secondchannel defined by the second channel member 856.

An encapsulant (not shown) fills the portions of each of passageways 834and 842 that are respectively unoccupied by the first fastener 818 andthe transponder 838 and the second fastener 868. The encapsulant may beshaped to substantially match the exterior surface of the housing 830and thereby contribute to a substantially continuous first exteriorsurface 832 of the apparatus 800. The encapsulant may ensure that thefirst fastener 818, the transponder 838, and the second fastener 868 arephysically secured in their respective positions and/or preventcontaminants from entering the passageways 834 and 842.

The particular configuration and internal structure of the apparatus 800illustrated in FIG. 19 is provided as one example configuration only.Other configurations may be used. As an example, in someimplementations, one or both of the first channel member 806 and thesecond channel member 856 are replaced with one or more clips, bands,loops, or other fasteners. For example, the clips may be plastic hooksthat are integral to the housing 830.

As another example, in some implementations, the apparatus 800 does notinclude the first fastener 818 and/or the second fastener 868. Forexample, the first channel member 806 and/or the second channel member856 may be physically secured relative to the housing 830 using couplingstructures such as those illustrated by FIGS. 11 and 12 and/or FIGS. 13and 14.

FIGS. 20-22 show an apparatus 900 to physically couple at least onetransponder 938 to a surgical object 990. In particular, FIG. 20 showsthe apparatus 900 not physically coupled to the surgical object 990while FIGS. 21-22 show the apparatus 900 physically coupled to thesurgical object 990. FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a first channelmember 906 of the apparatus 900, according to at least one illustratedembodiment.

The apparatus 900 is similar in many respects to the apparatus 100 ofFIGS. 2-4, and similar or even identical structures may be identifiedusing analogous reference numbers in the figures. As such, certaincommonly shared details regarding the materials and/or structure ofapparatuses 100 and 900 are not repeated here in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring description of the apparatus 900.

The apparatus 900 includes a first channel member 906, a second channelmember 956, and a housing 930. In each of FIGS. 20 and 22 the housing930 is transparently depicted for the purposes of illustrating certainfeatures of the apparatus 900 internal to the housing 930. However, thehousing 930 is typically not transparent. For example, the housing 930is not transparently depicted in FIG. 21.

The housing 930 includes a female body portion 931 a and a male bodyportion 931 b. The male body portion 931 b has a first member 933 and asecond member 983 that respectively extend from the male body portion931 b towards the female body portion 931 a. For example, the firstmember 933 and the second member 983 may be conical frustums. However,the first member 933 and the second member 983 may have other shapes,including, as example, rivets, snaps, hooks, male buckle portions,clasps, or other fasteners. In addition, although two members 933 and983 are shown, the male body portion 931 b may have any number ofmembers.

The female body portion 931 a includes a first slot 935 that is sizedand shaped to fittingly receive the first member 933 and includes asecond slot 985 that is sized and shaped to fittingly receive the secondmember 983. For example, the first and the second slots 935 and 985 mayrespectively physically engage the first and the second members 933 and983 using an interference fit or by one or more detent mechanisms (e.g.,teeth or female buckle portions).

The housing 930 is adjustable between a closed configuration and an openconfiguration. When the housing 930 is in the closed configuration, asshown in FIG. 22, the first and the second members 933 and 983 arerespectively received by and physically engaged with the first and thesecond slots 935 and 985. When the housing 930 is in the openconfiguration, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, the first and the secondmembers 933 and 983 are respectively not received by or physicallyengaged with the first and the second slots 935 and 985.

The housing 930 further includes a transponder receiving cavity 936. Inparticular, the female body portion 931 a includes a first transponderreceiving cavity portion 936 a that receives at least one transponder938. For example, the first transponder receiving cavity portion 936 amay be a cylindrical cavity defined at least in part by a convexsemi-cylindrical surface that extends from the female body portion 931 atowards the male body portion 931 b. Further, the male body portion 931b includes a second transponder receiving cavity portion 936 b that isshaped and sized to receive the first transponder receiving cavityportion 936 a when the housing 930 is in the closed configuration. Forexample, the second transponder receiving cavity portion 936 b may beformed by a concave semi-cylindrical surface that extends into the malebody portion 931 b. However, in some implementations, the male bodyportion 931 b includes the first transponder receiving cavity portion936 a and the female body portion 931 a includes the second transponderreceiving cavity portion 936 b.

In some implementations, the first transponder receiving cavity portion936 a is accessible (e.g., openable and closeable) by a user to insertor remove the transponder 938 from the first transponder receivingcavity portion 936 a. For example, the convex semi-cylindrical surfacemay be physically coupled to the female body portion 931 a using a hingestructure and a clasp or may otherwise be separable from the female bodyportion 931 a via other mechanisms to permit access to the firsttransponder receiving cavity portion 936 a. In such implementations, thetransponder 938 may or may not be potted into the first transponderreceiving cavity portion 936 a using an encapsulant. In otherimplementations, the female body portion 931 a is a single integral andmolded structure and the transponder 938 is molded into the firsttransponder receiving cavity portion 936 a.

The first channel member 906 has a first base 908 and a first pair ofside portions 910 a and 910 b that extend from the first base 908. Thefirst pair of side portions 910 a and 910 b are opposed to one anotheracross a width 912 of the first channel member 906 to form a firstchannel therebetween. The width 912 of the first channel is sized toreceive at least a first portion 992 of the surgical object 990 therein.

The first channel member 906 is respectively physically coupled to thefemale body portion 931 a and the male body portion 931 b at a firstpair of ends 922 a and 922 b of the first pair of side portions 910 aand 910 b. The first pair of ends 922 a and 922 b of the first pair ofside portions 910 a and 910 b are opposite the first base 908.

More particularly, the female body portion 931 a and the male bodyportion 931 b respectively have a first pair of cavities 932 a and 932 bto respectively receive at least the first pair of ends 922 a and 922 bof the first pair of side portions 910 a and 910 b.

As best shown in FIG. 23, the first channel member 906 has a first edge923 a and a second edge 923 b that is opposite the first edge 923 a.Each of the first pair of ends 922 a and 922 b has a plurality of teethalong both the first and the second edges 923 a and 923 b (only certainteeth numerically called out to avoid obscuring the illustration). Theteeth are angled towards the first base 908.

As one example, the end 922 a of side portion 910 a includes six pairsof teeth respectively along the first and the second edges 923 a and 923b (only three pairs called out as 924 a and 924 b, 925 a and 925 b, and926 a and 926 b). Likewise, the end 922 b of the side portion 910 bincludes six pairs of teeth respectively along the first and the secondedges 923 a and 923 b (only one tooth 927 b fully visible on edge 923 b;only two teeth 927 a and 927 b called out on edge 923 a). Although eachend 922 a and 922 b includes six pairs of teeth, any number of teeth canbe included.

As best shown in FIG. 20, the first pair of cavities 932 a and 932 brespectively define a first pair of interior surfaces within the femalebody portion 931 a and the male body portion 931 b, respectively. Whenthe first pair of ends 922 a and 922 b are respectively received in thefirst pair of cavities 932 a and 932 b, at least the respectivepluralities of teeth of the first pair of ends 922 a and 922 brespectively physically engage with the first pair of interior surfacesof the female body portion 931 a and the male body portion 931 b.

Similar to first channel member 906 and as best shown in FIG. 22, thesecond channel member 956 has a second base 958 and a second pair ofside portions 960 a and 960 b that extend from the second base 958. Thesecond pair of side portions 960 a and 960 b are opposed to one anotheracross a width of the second channel member 956 to form a second channeltherebetween. The width of the second channel is sized to receive atleast a second portion 994 of the surgical object 990 therein.

The second channel member 956 is respectively physically coupled to thefemale body portion 931 a and the male body portion 931 b at a secondpair of ends 972 a and 927 b of the second pair of side portions 960 aand 960 b. The second pair of ends 972 a and 972 b of the second pair ofside portions 960 a and 960 b are opposite the second base 958. Moreparticularly, the female body portion 931 a and the male body portion931 b respectively have a second pair of cavities 940 a and 940 b torespectively receive at least the second pair of ends 972 a and 927 b ofthe second pair of side portions 960 a and 960 b.

As best shown in FIG. 22, the second pair of cavities 940 a and 940 brespectively define a second pair of interior surfaces within the femalebody portion 931 a and the male body portion 931 b, respectively. Whenthe second pair of ends 972 a and 972 b are respectively received in thesecond pair of cavities 940 a and 940 b, at least the respectivepluralities of teeth of the second pair of ends 972 a and 972 brespectively physically engage with the second pair of interior surfacesof the female body portion 931 a and the male body portion 931 b.

The first channel member 906 and the second channel member 956 areresilient to permit repeated adjustment of the housing 930 between theclosed configuration and the open configuration. For example, the firstchannel member 906 and the second channel member 956 may be rigid butresilient metal bands.

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what isdescribed in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limitthe various embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Althoughspecific embodiments of and examples are described herein forillustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as willbe recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.

The teachings provided herein can be applied to other metallicimplements, other types of transponders, and other interrogation anddetection systems. For instance, the apparatuses of the presentdisclosure may be used to mark implements anytime identification and/ordetection of the presence of marked objects is desirable in a confinedarea, not just during surgery. For example, it may be used to make suremarked tools are not left inside a machine (e.g., vehicle, copy machine,etc.) after maintenance is performed. In at least some embodiments, theapparatuses of the present disclosure may be utilized to mark objects todetermine the removal of a marked implement from a confined area, suchas a chef knife from a kitchen of an airport restaurant or computersfrom a server room. In such an embodiment, an interrogation device, forexample, may be placed proximate to a door of the confined area.

In addition, an apparatus may be manufactured and distributed fortagging objects without a transponder currently attached.Advantageously, a transponder compatible with a particular detection andinterrogation system may then be introduced or inserted into theapparatus at a subsequent time, including by the end-user.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that many of the methods oralgorithms set out herein may employ additional acts, may omit someacts, and/or may execute acts in a different order than specified.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent applicationpublications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patentapplications and non-patent publications referred to in thisspecification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, if any,including but not limited to U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,818, issued Feb. 22,2000; U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2004/0250819, published Dec. 16,2004; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/811,376, filedJun. 6, 2006; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/892,208,filed Feb. 28, 2007; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/121,358, filed Feb. 26, 2015 are incorporated herein by reference, intheir entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ concepts of the various patents, applications andpublications to provide yet further embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of theabove-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should beconstrued to include all possible embodiments along with the full scopeof equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, theclaims are not limited by the disclosure.

1-50. (canceled)
 51. An apparatus to physically couple one or moretransponders to a surgical object used in a surgical environment, theapparatus comprising: at least one transponder that wirelessly receivesand returns signals; and a housing including: a body configured toretain the at least one transponder at least partially therein, the bodydefining a bottom, a first end portion and a second end portion; a firstleg depending from the bottom of the body near the first end portionthereof, the first leg defining a bottom spaced a distance from thebottom of the body; and a second leg depending from the bottom of thebody near the second end portion thereof, the first leg and the secondleg being spaced apart from one another, the second leg defining abottom spaced a distance from the bottom of the body, wherein the bottomof the first leg and the bottom of the second leg each contact thesurgical object to space the bottom of the body of the housing away fromthe surgical object a distance sufficient to prevent signal loss of theat least one transponder caused by the surgical object.
 52. Theapparatus of claim 51, further comprising: at least a first clampincluding a first fastener and a first channel member, the first channelmember having a first base and a first pair of side portions that extendfrom the first base and which are opposed to one another across a widthof the first channel member to form a first channel therebetween, thewidth of the first channel sized to receive at least a first portion ofthe surgical object therein, wherein the first fastener adjustablyengages with the first channel member and with the first leg of thehousing to clamp the first portion of the surgical object in the firstchannel of the first channel member.
 53. The apparatus of claim 52,wherein the first leg of the housing defines: at least a first cavitythat receives at least a portion of the first pair of side portions ofthe first channel member; a first passageway that receives the firstfastener and opens at least in part into the first cavity to permit thefirst fastener to extend at least in part into the first cavity andadjustably engage with the first channel member.
 54. The apparatus ofclaim 53, wherein the body of the housing defines a second passagewaythat receives the at least one transponder.
 55. The apparatus of claim54, further comprising: a second clamp including a second fastener and asecond channel member, the second channel member having a second baseand a second pair of side portions that extend from the second base andwhich are opposed to one another across a width of the second channelmember to form a second channel therebetween, the width of the secondchannel sized to receive at least a second portion of the surgicalobject therein, wherein the second fastener adjustably engages with thesecond channel member and the second leg of the housing to clamp thesecond portion of the surgical object in the second channel of thesecond channel member.
 56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the secondleg of the housing defines: a second cavity that receives at least aportion of the second pair of side portions of the second channelmember; and a third passageway that receives the second fastener andopens at least in part into the second cavity to permit the secondfastener to extend at least in part into the second cavity andadjustably engage with the second channel member.
 57. The apparatus ofclaim 56, wherein the first passageway extends in a first direction, thesecond passageway extends in a second direction, and the thirdpassageway extends in a third direction, the third direction parallel tothe first direction, the second direction non-parallel with respect tothe first and the third directions.
 58. The apparatus of claim 57,wherein the first fastener and the second fastener respectively have anelongated shaft that has a first diameter and a head that has a seconddiameter that is greater than the first diameter, and the firstpassageway and the third passageway respectively have an outer portionthat has a third diameter that is greater than the second diameter andan inner portion that has a fourth diameter that is greater than thefirst diameter and less than the second diameter.
 59. The apparatus ofclaim 57, wherein the second passageway intersects the top portion ofthe first passageway, the second passageway having a fifth diameter atleast greater than the second diameter.
 60. The apparatus of claim 57,wherein the second passageway intersects the inner portion of the firstpassageway, the second passageway having a fifth diameter at leastgreater than the first diameter.
 61. The apparatus of claim 57, whereinthe housing forms a first shelf at a first transition between the outerportion and the inner portion of the first passageway, the first shelfphysically engages the head of the first fastener, the housing forms asecond shelf at a second transition between the outer portion and theinner portion of the third passageway, and the second shelf physicallyengages the head of the second fastener.
 62. The apparatus of claim 56,further comprising: an encapsulant that fills at least one of the firstpassageway or the second passageway.
 63. The apparatus of claim 62,wherein the encapsulant comprises a biocompatible epoxy.
 64. Anapparatus to physically couple one or more transponders to a surgicalobject used in a surgical environment, the apparatus comprising: atleast one transponder that wirelessly receives and returns signals; anda housing including: a body configured to retain the at least onetransponder at least partially therein, the body defining a bottom, afirst end portion and a second end portion; at least a first legdepending from the bottom of the body near the first end portionthereof, the first leg defining a bottom spaced a distance from thebottom of the body; wherein the bottom of the first leg contacts thesurgical object to space the bottom of the body of the housing away fromthe surgical object a distance sufficient to prevent signal loss of theat least one transponder caused by the surgical object.
 65. Theapparatus of claim 64, further comprising: at least a first clampincluding a first fastener and a first channel member, the first channelmember having a first base and a first pair of side portions that extendfrom the first base and which are opposed to one another across a widthof the first channel member to form a first channel therebetween, thewidth of the first channel sized to receive at least a first portion ofthe surgical object therein, wherein the first fastener adjustablyengages with the first channel member and with the first leg of thehousing to clamp the first portion of the surgical object in the firstchannel of the first channel member.
 66. The apparatus of claim 65,wherein the housing further includes a second leg extending from asurface of the body, the first leg and the second leg being spaced apartfrom one another, the second leg defining a bottom spaced a distancefrom the surface of the body, wherein the bottom of the first leg andthe bottom of the second leg each contact the surgical object to spacethe body of the housing away from the surgical object.
 67. The apparatusof claim 66, wherein the first leg of the housing defines: at least afirst cavity that receives at least a portion of the first pair of sideportions of the first channel member; a first passageway that receivesthe first fastener and opens at least in part into the first cavity topermit the first fastener to extend at least in part into the firstcavity and adjustably engage with the first channel member.
 68. Theapparatus of claim 67, wherein the body of the housing defines a secondpassageway that receives the at least one transponder.
 69. The apparatusof claim 68, further comprising: a second clamp including a secondfastener and a second channel member, the second channel member having asecond base and a second pair of side portions that extend from thesecond base and which are opposed to one another across a width of thesecond channel member to form a second channel therebetween, the widthof the second channel sized to receive at least a second portion of thesurgical object therein, wherein the second fastener adjustably engageswith the second channel member and the second leg of the housing toclamp the second portion of the surgical object in the second channel ofthe second channel member.
 70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein thesecond leg of the housing defines: a second cavity that receives atleast a portion of the second pair of side portions of the secondchannel member; and a third passageway that receives the second fastenerand opens at least in part into the second cavity to permit the secondfastener to extend at least in part into the second cavity andadjustably engage with the second channel member.
 71. The apparatus ofclaim 70, wherein the first passageway extends in a first direction, thesecond passageway extends in a second direction, and the thirdpassageway extends in a third direction, the third direction parallel tothe first direction, the second direction non-parallel with respect tothe first and the third directions.
 72. The apparatus of claim 71,wherein the first fastener and the second fastener respectively have anelongated shaft that has a first diameter and a head that has a seconddiameter that is greater than the first diameter, and the firstpassageway and the third passageway respectively have an outer portionthat has a third diameter that is greater than the second diameter andan inner portion that has a fourth diameter that is greater than thefirst diameter and less than the second diameter.
 73. The apparatus ofclaim 71, wherein the second passageway intersects the top portion ofthe first passageway, the second passageway having a fifth diameter atleast greater than the second diameter.
 74. The apparatus of claim 71,wherein the second passageway intersects the inner portion of the firstpassageway, the second passageway having a fifth diameter at leastgreater than the first diameter.
 75. The apparatus of claim 71, whereinthe housing forms a first shelf at a first transition between the outerportion and the inner portion of the first passageway, the first shelfphysically engages the head of the first fastener, the housing forms asecond shelf at a second transition between the outer portion and theinner portion of the third passageway, and the second shelf physicallyengages the head of the second fastener.
 76. The apparatus of claim 70,further comprising: an encapsulant that fills at least one of the firstpassageway or the second passageway.
 77. The apparatus of claim 76,wherein the encapsulant comprises a biocompatible epoxy.